Growing up, my son thought it was hilarious when he did an impression of my expressive hand movements when I talk. I’d like to think that Charles Caleb Colton’s quote, “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery,” applied to his antics.  But, I’m not so sure that was his goal. Years later, however, I would be treated to an example of true-blue flattery from my son’s very own daughter! Through imitation, my long-distance grandchild transformed herself from student to teacher. And it’s hard to get more flattering than that!

It all began in the weeks just before COVID19 brought traveling to a full stop.  I was so lucky to get to visit my son and his family. During our visit, my granddaughter and I went to a local coffee shop together. What a special treat it was for both of us! Over tea and a little nosh (snack), I taught her some of the basics of Zentangle®, a meditative art form I teach. I taught her things  like how to draw slowly in simple patterns, and a few ways to play with shapes. We had a wonderful time and she seemed so proud of everything she drew.

Long-DIstance Grandkid: From Student to Teacher

When I returned home, I continued to teach her during our video chats. She paid close attention as I drew, and with pencil in hand carefully followed each direction I gave.

Then one time, with great flourish, she announced that she was going to teach me!

It was so sweet, and a little uncanny, when she gave me my instructions. I quickly recognized my own teaching style in her words. She said, “First, I’m going to show you how to draw, and then you can show me what you did.” If I didn’t understand anything, she told me I could ask. Then she added that I should have lots of fun! I was amazed that she even managed to closely imitate the patterns I had taught her, adding creative twists of her own along the way. (You can check out my results above).

I was so taken with the whole experience, that I even wrote to the originators of Zentanagle and they posted my email in their newsletter!

The Role of Role-Playing

This year, many of our long-distance grandkids will be learning virtually.  They may be spending long hours in front of a computer screen, with less time to interact. And that’s where we come in! When we role-play with our grands, in this instance as their student, they have the opportunity to:

• actively explore a leadership role
• practice empathy
• use their creativity and imagination
• develop communication, organizational and problem-solving skills
• reinforce learning
• increase self-confidence

Tips For Encouraging Teacher Role-Playing

Sometimes kids will naturally play teacher, but other times they may need a little encouragement. To get them started, try asking questions such as:

1. What do you like to play with? How do you make it work?
2. What do you need to finish this project? What steps are you going to follow?
3. If you were a teacher, what would you like to teach? What would you do in your class? What would be your class rules?
4. Can you teach me how to do this?
5. If I was your student and you were the teacher, how would you tell me to solve this problem?

Putting It All Together

So what have I learned from this role reversal with my granddaughter? First, I’m reminded of the wonderful opportunity we have to help our grandkids develop things like self-esteem and creative thinking. And with some easy-to-do role-play, we can enrich the learning experience throughout the year.

Are you ready? Let’s get on FaceTime or Zoom and be the best students ever!